10 Best Boxing Documentaries Ever Made, Ranked

Among the myriad documentaries dedicated to the world of boxing, a select few truly shine, adept at capturing not only the artistry of boxing but also delving into the psyche of those who make a livelihood in the ring.

Some chronicle the fascinating lives of pugilists, while others unravel the narratives behind monumental boxing matches, offering fans a ringside perspective. These documentaries peel back the layers of the sport, revealing its multifaceted nature, for better or for worse, in the very arena where the limits of courage are tested.

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10 After the Last Round Documentary Released In 2009

A documentary about the health effects of boxing

After The Last Round will leave viewers speechless, this documentary offers a revealing glimpse into the darker aspects of boxing, delving into the risks that boxers confront within the squared circle and the personal stories of those whose health has been compromised by their involvement in the sport.

The documentary openly discusses the repercussions of brain damage linked to boxing, providing unsettling instances of ex-boxers grappling with the aftermath of physical and mental damage.

9 The Good Son: The Life of Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini

The story of how a fatal fight changed Ray Mancini’s life

The Good Son: The Life of Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini delves deep into the life and remarkable career of the former WBA lightweight champion, Ray Mancini. Featuring insights from legendary figures such as Sugar Ray Leonard, Mickey Rourke, and other witnesses to the extraordinary journey of Youngstown's pride, this documentary presents a compelling narrative of a boxing icon.

It not only explores the tragic loss of his brother but also delves into the complex dynamics with his father who was also a boxer. Mancini opens up about the tragic bout against Duk Koo Kim, which changed the rules of boxing forever.

• Kim Duk-koo death led to a reduction of rounds in championship bouts from 15 to 12.

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8 Assault in the Ring Tell A Tragic Tale

The documentary won the award for Best Sports Documentary at the 31st Sports Emmy Awards in 2010.

The documentary Assault In The Ring thoroughly investigates a pivotal 1983 boxing match between the undefeated prospect, Billy Collins Jr., and Luis Resto. Resto managed to defeat the highly-touted Collins in a 10-round unanimous decision. However, the post-fight revelation was shocking: Resto's gloves were discovered to have been tampered with, lacking a significant amount of padding, an illicit alteration that enhanced the impact of his punches against Collins, resulting in severe damage.

• Billy Collins Jr. died at the age of 22 and ended his career undefeated.
• Luis Resto was arrested and jailed for his part in the cheating scandal.

7 Klitschko (2011) Is Written And Directed By Sebastian Dehnhardt

The documentary explores the captivating story of the Klitschko brothers

The documentary delves into the lives of the highly skilled boxers, Vitali and Vladimir Klitschko, and their close bond. Raised as the sons of a Soviet military officer, their upbringing unfolds across diverse locations in the USSR amidst the aftermath of the Chornobyl disaster.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the brothers ventured beyond their homeland, training and competing in various countries, ultimately ascending to the pinnacle of world boxing as champions. Their journey involves a remarkable transformation from childhood indoctrination against the USA to developing a genuine fondness for the country. This captivating documentary displays the brothers' undeniable charm, and renders their story appealing even to those not typically drawn to the sport of boxing.

• Larry Merchant, Lennox Lewis and Lamon Brewster appear in the documentary.

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6 Lennox Lewis: The Untold Story Follows The Life Of The Three-Time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion

The documentary gives an inside look into one of the greatest heavyweight boxers.

Lennox Lewis: The Untold Story provides a comprehensive look into the multifaceted career of the legendary boxer. Encompassing his journey from the amateur ranks to the Olympic stage and into the professional realm, the documentary meticulously examines every chapter of Lewis's remarkable career.

Featuring prominent figures such as Mike Tyson and Dr. Dre, the documentary weaves a compelling narrative around one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history. Through the lens of Lewis's life and career, the film captures the essence of his impact on the sport, offering viewers an intimate and untold perspective on the highs, lows, and triumphant moments that shaped his journey in the ring.

• The documentary explores the only two losses of his career, both of which he successfully avenged.
• It features interviews from Mike Tyson, George Foreman, and Evander Holyfield.

5 The Kings (2021) Tells The Story Of Roberto Duran, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, and Sugar Ray Leonard

A four-part Showtime documentary about the four kings.

Introducing a riveting four-part documentary series produced by Showtime, each episode focuses on a champion who played a pivotal role in ushering in a boxing renaissance during the late 70s recession to the capitalism of the 80s. These four iconic figures -- Roberto Duran, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, and Sugar Ray Leonard -- emerged as superstars who all stepped into the ring against each other.

This compelling series employs a blend of in-depth interviews and archival footage to bring to life the extraordinary journeys of these champions both inside and outside the ring. Viewers witness how Duran, Hagler, Hearns, and Leonard became the people's champions, injecting new life into the sport of boxing. The series sheds light on their incredible achievements within the ring while also delving into the personal battles each faced beyond it.

4 Tyson (2008) Stands Out Among The Documentaries Based On The Boxing Legend

A documentary about Mike Tyson’s life and career

Tyson delves into the iconic boxer, reflecting on his controversial public image. Unveiling a tumultuous family history and challenging upbringing in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Tyson's early transgressions led him to Tryon School for Boys in Johnstown, New York.

The documentary unfolds the crucial father-son dynamic between Tyson and his initial professional trainer, Cus D'Amato. Subsequently, it traces his path to achieving the status of the undisputed heavyweight champion. With an impressive 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, awarded by 138 film critics, this documentary is unquestionably a compelling watch.

• The documentary garnered critical acclaim, scoring an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 138 film critics.
• Tyson gets emotional in the doc, describing his relationship with his first professional trainer, Cus D'Amato.

3 When We Were Kings Is An Academy Award Winning Documentary

The Doc Explores the Story Behind The Rumble In The Jungle

When We Were Kings is a documentary that delves into the 1974 world heavyweight championship clash between the reigning champion, George Foreman, and the underdog, Muhammad Ali. Helmed by director Leon Gast, the film provides viewers with insights into the lead-up to the historic Rumble in the Jungle, incorporating interview footage and showcasing Ali's captivating charisma.

Remarkably, Gast dedicated 22 years to the editing and financing of the film.

2 Muhammad Ali (2021)

A Deep Dive Into The Life Of 'The Greatest'

The Muhammad Ali documentary is a four-part miniseries that explores the life of the iconic boxing legend. Directed by the acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns along with Sarah Burns, and David McMahon, the series provides a comprehensive look at Ali's life, encompassing both his impactful legacy inside and outside the boxing ring.

• The miniseries has a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
• Muhammad Ali is available to stream on PBS.

1 Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson

Another great documentary by Ken Burns

Jack Johnson: Unforgivable Blackness chronicles the life and career of a prominent figure in boxing history. Despite facing prevalent racism, Johnson defiantly challenged societal norms. The documentary explores how he boldly confronted racial barriers, ultimately achieving the groundbreaking feat of becoming the first black world heavyweight boxing champion during the challenging Jim Crow era.

• Director Ken Burns won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming in 2005, along with the writer, Geoffrey C. Ward.
• The documentary is narrated by Keith David and produced by David Schaye, Paul Barnes and Burns.